Mothercare, which operates in 60 countries, said on
Wednesday that group sales fell 6.1 percent in the 12 week
period to Jan. 4 compared to the same period the year before.

Underlying sales in its British business, where it is in the
middle of a turnaround plan, were 4 percent lower, the company
added, blaming the promotional nature of the festive period and
lower seasonal footfall.

"As a result of lower UK sales and margin and the
international currency impact, full year profits are likely to
be below the current range of market expectations," chief
executive Simon Calver said in a statement.

Analysts had expected the company to post pre-tax profit of
16 million pounds ($26.24 million), according to a Thomson
Reuters consensus forecast. ($1 = 0.6098 British pounds

NEW YORK, Dec 9 Country star Garth Brooks is in
discussions to perform at the inauguration of U.S.
President-elect Donald Trump, the singer's representative said
on Friday, as organizers of the event denied media reports that
they were struggling to find A-list stars to take part.

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